How Long is TOO Long to Crate Your Dog?

Done correctly, crate training your dog is a valuable tool! But, before you do, learn how long is TOO long to crate your puppy or adult dog!

When done correctly, crate training is a valuable aspect of dog ownership. But it must be balanced between:

  • Providing a safe space for the dog; and
  • Ensuring the dog doesn’t spend too much time in confinement.

Keep reading below to learn how long a dog parent should crate their dog and
how long is too long to crate your dog.

Dog Crating: 4 Key Points to Consider

  1. Purpose of Crating
    • Short-term Confinement: Crates are helpful for house training, preventing destructive behavior, and providing a safe, quiet space for a dog to retreat. But make sure the dog has had some human interaction, exercise and a potty break before crating them.
    • Avoid Long-Term Confinement: A crate should never be used:
      • As a solution for long-term isolation.
      • To avoid addressing behavioral issues; or
      • As punishment.

2. Age Matters!

    • Puppies (8-10 weeks): Puppies can generally hold their bladder for about 1 hour for every month of age. This means a 2-month-old puppy should not be crated for more than 2 hours. (Source: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance)
    • Puppies (11-14 weeks): They can handle about 3 hours in the crate at this age.
    • Puppies (15-16 weeks): Four to five hours of crate time may be tolerated, but crating beyond that risks discomfort and bathroom accidents.
A small brown and white puppy laying on a blanket in a crate
Never Crate Puppies Too Long!
    • Adult dogs (over six months): Adult dogs can generally be crated for 6-8 hours, but it’s not ideal to push the upper limit regularly, especially if they’re not getting sufficient exercise.

3. Behavior and Training Influence Crate Time

    • A well-trained dog may tolerate crating better than an untrained or anxious dog.
    • However, dogs with separation anxiety should not be crated for long stretches, as this can exacerbate anxiety.

4. Activity and Exercise

    • Regular breaks are essential for bathroom needs, exercise, and mental stimulation.
    • Dogs need plenty of physical and mental engagement outside of crate time. Daily walks, play sessions, and puzzle toys should be prioritized.
Small black and white dog jumping to catch a treat
Small Black and White Dog Jumping for a Treat in the Yard

How Long is TOO Long?

    • Puppies: Leaving a puppy in a crate for more than 2-3 hours, depending on age, is considered too long.
    • Adult Dogs: Crating dogs for over 8 hours can lead to boredom, frustration, and physical discomfort. If a dog is regularly crated for extended periods (10+ hours), it can experience behavioral issues such as increased anxiety, depression, or restlessness.

Long-term crating without sufficient interaction or exercise can HARM a dog’s mental and physical well-being!

Avoiding the Dangers of Crating TOO Long

  • Regular crating of a dog for ten or more hours a day may lead to severe health and behavioral issues, including muscle atrophy, stress, and depression.
  • Ensure the dog has access to plenty of water, chew toys, and, ideally, interactive toys that stimulate their mind while inside the crate.
A brown Labrador Retriever with a large green ball in his mouth
Appropriate Dog Toys Offer Fun and Mental Stimulation While in their Crate
    • Consider alternatives like dog walkers, pet sitters, or a doggy daycare when you are away for extended periods. 

Best Practices for Dog Crating

    • Short training sessions: Keep crating sessions short (15-30 minutes) and gradually increase the time as the dog becomes more comfortable.
    • Crate location: Place the crate in a family area where the dog can feel connected rather than isolated.
    • Comfort and safety: Make sure the crate is the right size! Large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably but not so large it encourages bathroom accidents. If you are starting to crate with a puppy, invest in a crate with movable dividers or partitions to allow more room as the pup grows. (Source: AKC.org)
    • Make the crate a POSITIVE space: Use treats, praise, and size-appropriate toys to create a welcoming and safe environment. NEVER use a crate for punishment!

Conclusion

    • Crating Puppies: 1-3 hours, depending on age. Anything over 3 hours is too long for puppies.
    • Crating Adult dogs: Maximum of 6-8 hours, with regular exercise and interaction. More than 8 hours without breaks is too long for an adult dog.
    • Also, remove the dog’s collar BEFORE crating for your dog’s safety.

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